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    powerbook G4 ram upgrade

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by keilala, Jan 12, 2007.

  1. keilala

    keilala Newbie

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    I have an older powerbook G4 titanium version 10.2.8 memory 256 Mb and processor 867 MHz. Is there anyway to upgrade it enough to meet the requirements of a Mac OS X 10.3.5 with a processor of 933 MHz, and 512 MB RAM? I guess I'm asking is, would upgrading the ram be enough and is there something else I can do? If anyone can answer this it would be really appreciated. thanks.
     
    keilala, Jan 12, 2007
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  2. Wooky

    Wooky Notebook Evangelist

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    Have a look here:
    http://lowendmac.com/pb2/g4-1ghz.html
    it doesn't list any processor upgrades for it. It is probably possible, but it must need unsoldering the CPU so... very expensive at last. But there are some reports of people running Tiger on it, so I guess that it will run fine with enough RAM.
     
    Wooky, Jan 12, 2007
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  3. keilala

    keilala Newbie

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    thanks alot! this site has very useful links. I know nothing about computers so if you happen to find or hear of anything its appreciated thanks again.
     
    keilala, Jan 12, 2007
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  4. thi

    thi Notebook Enthusiast

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    Your powerbook should be fine running tiger, but def. upgrade the ram. I just upgraded my old Powerbook Ti 400mhz!!! (lol) w/ 512mb ram. Its slow. But still usable for light work (email, web browsing). My new MBP should be coming next week I can't wait!

    *edit I'm running Tiger 10.4.6
     
    thi, Jan 13, 2007
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  5. Starlight

    Starlight Notebook Evangelist

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    CPU isn't very important, even Tiger only requires a G3 processor (of any speed) or better. RAM requirement is only 256MB (or maybe even 128MB actually, don't remember now) for 10.3, so not sure what you've been reading. Recommended specs are always higher of course, but a G3 867MHz and 256MB of RAM is fine for 10.3.

    Sure you can upgrade the RAM, but it won't be worth the money really. Better to save that money and spend it on buying a newer Mac imho :)
     
    Starlight, Jan 13, 2007
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  6. keilala

    keilala Newbie

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    I found an upgrade to 1 GB for $180 but I stumbled upon an 8x superdrive upgrade for Powerbook G4 w/ double and dual layer support for $100. Can anyone explain the difference between the two and which would be a better? thanks!
     
    keilala, Jan 13, 2007
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  7. Starlight

    Starlight Notebook Evangelist

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    The difference between what, exactly? Between your two upgrade options or between the optical drive you have and the optical drive you can buy?

    If you mean between your upgrade options, go for the RAM - that will improve performance, the optical drive upgrade will not.
     
    Starlight, Jan 14, 2007
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  8. orthorim

    orthorim Notebook Evangelist

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    Yep - the RAM will make all the difference. 1GB is recommended, but then again, I could never get myself to spend $200 on my ageing tibook. In any case, it will run just fine with 512MB RAM.

    I am running OS 10.3.9 on a 667 MHz Powerbook with 512M RAM.

    It's working just fine. I can't have too many apps open at the same time but other than that, no complaints.
     
    orthorim, Jan 14, 2007
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  9. keilala

    keilala Newbie

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    ok i just installed the max. of 1 GB in my powerbook I'm still running 10.2.8 My question is, should I run Tiger? or run OS 10.3.9, or something else? Any suggestions would greatly help.. thanks!
     
    keilala, Jan 19, 2007
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